Sports rivalries are a part of many friendships, especially when one person is a fan of a team like Ohio State, a powerhouse in college sports. These rivalries often become more than just a game — they form the backdrop for personal interactions, debates, and good-natured trash talk. But what do you do when your best friend is an Ohio State fan, and you’re not?
In this guide, we’ll cover how to approach your friendship, handle the inevitable smack talk, make the most of game day, and celebrate the things that bring you together despite your differences. It’s all about balancing rivalry with respect and learning how to have fun with the dynamic, all while maintaining a strong, supportive relationship.
1. Embrace the Rivalry, But Don’t Let It Define Your Friendship
Rivalries are a natural part of the sports world, and when it comes to college football, few rivalries are as iconic as the one between Ohio State and Michigan. Whether you’re a Michigan fan, a Notre Dame supporter, or follow another team, the Ohio State-Michigan game is probably one of the most high-stakes, emotionally charged events of your year. But while this rivalry can feel intense, it doesn’t have to define your entire relationship with your friend.
Accepting the Rivalry
To navigate your friendship successfully, it’s important to accept that your friend will likely be passionate about Ohio State, and you might be equally passionate about your team. The key is to respect that passion and not let it drive a wedge between you.
- Acknowledge the rivalry: If you’re both sports fans, it’s okay to bring up the rivalry. Joke around with each other about past games, memorable plays, or trash talk. But remember, it’s all in good fun — if you make it personal, it could affect your friendship.
- Agree to disagree: You’ll probably never agree on which team is superior, and that’s okay! Be prepared for heated debates, but also be prepared to back off when things start to get too tense. Recognize when it’s time to laugh it off and move on.
2. Game Days: Make the Best of It
Game days can be a prime opportunity to bond or a source of tension — depending on how you handle them. Watching Ohio State games together, especially the big ones, might become a tradition. How you approach these situations will determine how much fun you have.
Plan Joint Tailgate Parties (Even if You’re Not in Columbus)
If you’re not in Columbus for the game, creating a game-day atmosphere at home is a great way to enjoy each other’s company. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or just catching the game together, focus on the fun of the event rather than your team’s performance.
- Respectful Viewing: If Ohio State is winning and your team is losing, it might be tempting to show frustration. But remember, a lot of that energy is coming from the competition, not your friend personally. Try to keep it light and remember that it’s just a game.
- Munchies and drinks: You can still bond over food and drinks, regardless of your team’s success or failure. Whether you’re grilling burgers or digging into snacks, food and drink can be a great equalizer during game day.
- Friendly wagers: This is a fun way to spice up the rivalry and create shared memories. Bet on something harmless like the number of touchdowns, who will score first, or who will have more rushing yards. Loser buys dinner or does a goofy task. This keeps things light and gives both of you a stake in the game beyond just the team you’re cheering for.
3. Trash Talk Without Going Too Far
Trash talk is a staple of sports culture, especially between friends who root for rival teams. However, it’s important to set boundaries and keep it respectful.
Set Ground Rules
You may want to agree on some boundaries early on to avoid crossing the line. Discuss what’s fair game and what isn’t.
- Avoid personal attacks: Don’t make the rivalry about anything other than the teams. Stay away from personal jabs about your friend’s intelligence, appearance, or anything that might be hurtful. Acknowledge that the rivalry should be about sports, not personal characteristics.
- Know when to stop: Sometimes, things can get heated. Recognize when your friend is no longer enjoying the trash talk, and dial it back. A friendly rivalry is fun, but too much can sour the relationship.
- Use humor: If you’re going to trash talk, do it in a way that keeps the mood light. Making clever jokes or funny memes about Ohio State’s weaknesses can ease tension and make your friend laugh. The goal is to poke fun, not to hurt feelings.
4. Embrace the Fun of Being a “Rival Fan”
Being friends with an Ohio State fan can actually bring some unexpected benefits, especially when you embrace the rivalry for what it is: an opportunity to learn more about a team you wouldn’t otherwise follow.
Learn About Ohio State
Even if you’re not a fan, learning about Ohio State’s history and key players will help you better understand why your friend is so passionate. Researching the team can give you fresh talking points and make the rivalry more engaging.
- Know key players: Whether it’s quarterbacks, running backs, or defensive stars, being able to chat about players like C.J. Stroud or J.K. Dobbins gives you more to talk about during your conversations.
- Learn about the tradition: Ohio State has a storied history with multiple national championships, Rose Bowl appearances, and legendary coaches like Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer. Understanding their legacy can give you context for your friend’s pride.
Appreciate Their Passion
While you may not share the same love for Ohio State, you can still admire the passion your friend has for their team. College football is a source of identity for many fans, and appreciating that dedication is a good way to keep the rivalry in perspective.
- Celebrate their wins: When Ohio State wins, don’t be afraid to congratulate your friend (even if you’re secretly annoyed). A little sportsmanship goes a long way and can help avoid tension.
- Be a good sport: Similarly, if Ohio State beats your team, don’t be bitter. Expressing good sportsmanship shows maturity and will set an example of how to keep a rivalry friendly.
5. Handle the Big Game: Ohio State vs. Michigan
When the Ohio State vs. Michigan game rolls around, the stakes are even higher. This is the ultimate showdown, and how you handle this event will make or break your sports friendship.
Preparing for the Big Day
- Don’t be overconfident: Whether you’re a Michigan fan or rooting for someone else, make sure you’re not too cocky before the game. In sports, anything can happen, and the pressure of these games often leads to surprising outcomes.
- Respect the stakes: Acknowledge the significance of the game, but don’t let the outcome affect your relationship too much. If your team loses, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but your friendship shouldn’t hinge on a single game.
After the Game
- If Ohio State wins: You might not want to hear your friend gloat, but try to be gracious. A quick, “Great game, you earned it,” shows maturity and respect for their team. Your response might be met with some playful bragging, but don’t let it get personal.
- If your team wins: If your team manages to beat Ohio State, be sure to keep the victory sweet but respectful. Gloating can go a long way in souring the relationship, so don’t let the win be your only focus. Instead, acknowledge how well Ohio State played and point to any areas where your team excelled.
6. Be There for Each Other Beyond the Rivalry
Sports are a huge part of many friendships, but they shouldn’t be the only thing that defines the relationship. The best friendships transcend sports, and that’s where the real value lies.
Share Non-Sports Interests
While you might bond over Ohio State and sports, don’t forget about all the other aspects of your friendship. Be there for each other outside of game day by engaging in activities that have nothing to do with the rivalry. Whether it’s movies, hiking, or just catching up over a meal, remember to nurture your friendship in areas beyond the sports world.
- Support each other: If your friend is going through a tough time, be there for them, regardless of what team they root for. True friendship is built on more than just shared sports interests.
- Celebrate each other’s wins: Just as you can poke fun when Ohio State wins, you should also celebrate your friend’s non-sports victories, like personal achievements, career milestones, or other exciting life events.
Conclusion: Keep the Fun, Keep the Friendship
Having an Ohio State fan as a best friend can be a source of great entertainment, a chance for playful rivalry, and an opportunity to engage in passionate debates. However, the foundation of your friendship should rest on mutual respect, support, and a shared sense of humor.
Embrace the rivalry with good-natured fun, but never let it take away from the deeper connections you share. In the end, sports are just a game, and the true value of friendship lies in understanding, kindness, and the ability to enjoy each other’s company—whether you’re celebrating a win or commiserating over a loss.
Leave a Reply